Heart of a Beast

Ava

It was midnight, and I needed to escape before my buyer came to take me away as a slave. Quietly, I sneaked out of my cell through a dark, dirty hallway. But I heard a girl moaning, so I peeked into a room and saw Lisa being treated badly by one of the security guys. He was doing things to her, but she seemed to like it. Her naked breast bounced with every forceful thrust, the sound of skin meeting skin and her moans filling the air. He held her hair, spanking her relentlessly as the rough encounter unfolded. Lisa and I had planned to escape together, but her penchant for getting entangled with these men who tormented us thwarted our efforts. I gave her a sad look and turned away, searching for the way out. I'm not going to let anyone come between me and my freedom tonight, besides I've just known her for three months.

At 2 a.m., when everyone was sleeping, I made my move. I had planned to escape when the men who controlled us were away partying in another town. When I reached the big door, I felt tears in my eyes but smiled as I looked back at the place where I had suffered for years. Remembering the torture and hunger, I ran out into the open. The night wind made my skin tingle as I ran towards the forest, leaving the painful memories behind.

Darting through the forest, I felt the toll on my feet from stones and spikes, my skin bruised by the relentless lashes of grass in the wind. Glancing back, I detected no pursuers, allowing me a moment of respite beside a tree. Gasping for air, my lungs strained, and panic gripped me, prompting a desperate plea to the silent night sky shrouded in darkness beneath a full moon. Exhausted, I sank to the ground, leaning against the tree. Rubbing my arms, I whispered my weariness, expressing a fervent wish for escape from the horrors left behind. The torn dress, unkempt appearance, and bare feet reflected the toll of my escape. Nestling into a soft spot on the grass, I longed for a reprieve, whether through death or slumber, away from the troubles that pursued me. My hair was all over my face as I turned and shivered because it was raining. I woke up and yawned quietly, my body was wet and sticky as the rain tried to wash off all the dirt. I was so thirsty and starved, it seemed like I hadn't eaten for two months. I stood up because the grass I had laid on was now muddy and making me dirtier. I walked away from the tree and opened my mouth, tilting my head upwards to sip some water from the rain. My drenched hair clung to my face as I turned, shivering in the rain-soaked surroundings. Waking up, I yawned quietly, feeling the stickiness of my body as rain attempted to wash away the accumulated dirt. Thirst and starvation gnawed at me, the sensation of not having eaten for what felt like months. Rising from the muddy grass, I walked away from the tree. An attempt to sip rainwater ended in a futile scream, realizing the potential danger of attracting unwanted attention. Moving briskly, drained of energy, I pressed on, acknowledging the looming threat of starvation.

After covering a few miles, a lake emerged, offering a glimmer of hope. Cautiously checking my surroundings, I sprinted to the lake, quenching my thirst with handfuls of water. With a moment of relief, I shed my clothes and immersed myself in the cold water, sending shivers through my nerves. The cleansing sensation was a welcome reprieve. Washing my hair, I lingered in the water, gazing at the moonlit night. In the midst of despair, I emerged from the water, tears mingling with droplets on my face. Clutching my gown, I tore it into a makeshift rope, my desperate decision unfolding. Gripping a hefty rock, I knew it was a foolish choice, but the weight of loneliness seemed unbearable. As I wailed, I dragged the rock and torn cloth towards the water, surrendering to the deep blue calmness. Submerged, the water embraced me, my lungs yearning for air as my heartbeat echoed rapidly. Hallucinations of family flickered before my eyes, drowned out by a commanding voice calling my name. A massive hand wrapped around my neck, abruptly pulling me from the water. Gasping, the material around my legs torn away, I found myself confronted by a towering figure in the darkness. The tall man's voice cut through the darkness, his words heavy with both authority and concern.

"How dare you?" he thundered, his figure outlined against the night. "I asked how dare you try to end your own life, Ava?" Stunned, I looked up from the grass, my name hanging in the air. He turned away, his silhouette rigid with disapproval. "Life might be difficult, but you can't escape it that way. There's always another path, the path which I'm the one to end it!" he declared, his voice softer but firm. "Now, face it."

His words lingered in the night, a powerful plea for resilience and a stark reminder that, even in the darkest moments, there's an alternative to surrendering to despair.

⸻

Lucian's POV

Observing her now, she appeared vastly different from the memory of our last encounter, where a knife threatened my chest. The uncertainty gripped me as I questioned if she truly was the one. If she proved to be during the upcoming test, I vowed to end it swiftly before second thoughts crept in, aware that her spirit lingered in this young girl's reborn body, as foretold by the universe. Turning my attention to Ava, peacefully asleep, she clutched the pillow as if it were her lifeline. Her skin, smooth yet adorned with goosebumps, framed by brown hair cascading over her face and neck, captivated me. Contemplating the decision to end her existence, doubts lingered as I grappled with her apparent innocence and fragility. The need to consult Theo about this peculiar situation arose, as Ava's uniqueness stirred questions about my centuries-long existence. With a lingering glance at the enigmatic girl, I exited the room, knowing that the resolution to this mystery held profound consequences.

Ava

Wincing at the glaring light, I awoke in a vast room adorned with flowers, a central chandelier, and expansive windows. My head throbbed as I struggled to recall how I ended up here. Attempting to stand, I felt the ache in my feet, sore and swollen from the previous night's escape. Memories flooded back-I was fleeing the slave market when someone captured me. Limping like a frog, I rose and sought support from the bed, catching my reflection in a massive mirror. Adorned in a light pink gown decorated with artificial flowers, my hair neatly packed in a bun, I appeared fragile and small. Surveying the room for answers, I hobbled toward the window, squinting against the bright sun. Gasping at the vast surroundings-resembling eight plots of land-I noticed statues of animals scattered everywhere. Girls nearby were dressing in uniforms. Curious, I peered down, contemplating escape through the window, only to be met with the intimidating height. Overwhelmed, tears welled up as I found myself crying in this unfamiliar and puzzling environment.

"I've been kidnapped...again," I muttered, holding up my dress as I limped toward the door.

Pushing it open, I was met with surprise. Glancing back at the room, I stepped out, closing the door behind me. The hallway, massive and adorned with bronze, featured images of handsome men that almost seemed unreal. Determined, I limped forward, searching for an escape route. As I hastened my pace, the hallway led me to a grand ballroom filled with laughter and the sight of elegantly dressed people in ball gowns and suits, seemingly caught up in celebration. A sigh of relief escaped me as I leaned against the wall, attempting to blend in and remain unnoticed. Tiptoeing to avoid making any noise, I tried to navigate my way past the lively ballroom. Just as I thought I was almost clear, a collision occurred, and I bumped into someone, accidentally spilling their drink. My eyes widened with panic as I awaited their reaction.

"Can't you watch it?" The sound of his voice sent goosebumps throughout my body. With long white hair, a hint of stubble on his face, high cheekbones, and almond green eyes, he exuded an intimidating presence. My gaze shifted from his shoes to his black tight pants and the white collar top, now stained with wine.

"I-I'm sorry," I stuttered, avoiding eye contact. Silence lingered until I attempted to walk past him, halted by the firm grip on my elbow.

"I haven't seen you around. Who are you?" His voice carried a grin, though I remained silent. He turned me around, scrutinizing my face and gown. "You must be one of Lucian's playthings, hmm?" He chuckled, but his words left me feeling uneasy rather than amused.

"I don't find that funny, sir and I don't know what you are talking about ," I asserted, but he frowned, dismissing my plea. "Now please let me be, I need to go," I insisted, yet my words were met with aggression as he slammed me against the wall, drawing everyone's attention. His grip on my neck intensified, and I struggled for air as he uttered degrading words.

"You should be ashamed of your profession, whore," he sneered, the laughter of onlookers echoing in the background. In that moment, the desire to end the relentless pursuit overwhelmed me, and tears welled in my eyes. His hot mint breath lingered on my face as he whispered, "You are beautiful," before pecking my cheeks and using his fingers to trace my lips, all while the spectators watched with twisted delight. The struggle to break free proved futile against his strength. "Oh, I enjoy it when they struggle like they don't enjoy it," he remarked, his hands violating my breast. Refusing to succumb, I retaliated by spitting on his face, forcing him to release his grip. Collapsing to the floor, I gasped for air, relieved to be free from the torment, if only momentarily.

"You disrespectful bitch!" His hands lunged towards my face, and I braced myself for the impending impact when a deafening noise echoed, followed by a heavy thud on the ground. The room fell into an eerie silence, akin to a graveyard.

"She's mine!" The proclamation came from my captor of the previous night.